House with two Tennis Courts

The house with two tennis courts

Brook Street Sutton Courtenay 2020 Courtenay 1 Intrigued by the relationship of The Gardeners cottage to the houses around it, the following pages research who has lived in the houses around Wilden and gives some insight to how this part of the village has changed over two centuries.

2 First Draft – researching Brook Street Sutton Courtenay – August 2020 Sutton Courteney as it was referred to locally up until the end of the 19th Century was a small vibrant village with only a few large, notable houses. At the north end of the modern village it was a farming community. There were at least seven pubs, a wide number of shops, a paper mill, and several corn mills. As well as the church, a chapel and village school - until 1932 the Courtenay Lodge a private school offered extensive sports facilities, prepared boys for the army and after the First World War concentrated more on getting pupils into Oxford and Cambridge. The school bought the Norman Hall in 1920, but sold it and Courtenay Lodge in 1932 the school moved to bigger buildings near Reading, called Maiden Erlegh. Apart from the Norman Hall, the Lodge, Manor House and the Abbey most of the houses in the village were relatively small, predominantly cottages set along the roads leading from the village green with more down the once vibrant high street.

Brook Street Sutton Courtenay 2020 Courtenay 3 The origins of the houses near the old ford across the Ginge Brook, on what is now known as Brook Street have proved more than a little confusing to unravel. As the roads and several of the houses have changed their name more than once in the past century or so. The collection of buildings variously described around Brookside on the lane then known as ‘Sutton Courtenay Road’ that lead through the ford across the Ginge and on towards Drayton had several cottages on both sides. The road leading to Drayton was (in living memory) laid over tree trunks forming a raft across the Marsh. The area was known for its Elm trees and apparently some were used in the building of the foundations of the Victoria Tower at the Houses of Parliament. This may be why the large house on the left of the picture above was called Elm Brook. Thomas Howes appears to be responsible for most of what we see today on the south side of the road as his family owned the big house until 1926 or thereabouts. He was a notable resident of the village until his death in 1890. Although born in Ock Street, Abingdon he was brought up and educated from an early age by his uncle Hafod Weir a mariner and Aunt Mary Ann Goodluck, living with them in Bristol at the Lion coaching inn, from at least the age of four. He told tales of visiting his uncles ship and seeing soldiers preparing to leave for the Napoleonic wars. Thomas came from a large family, he could simultaneously count multiple columns of numbers, loved the law, read avidly in English and fluently in French. As he grew up books would have been readily available to him from his uncle Isaac who ran a rather unsuccessful bookshop in Abingdon marketplace. As his parents had funded one brother to train as a Doctor, Thomas had to join his father in the family business of plumbing & glazing.

4 First Draft – researching Brook Street Sutton Courtenay – August 2020 Thomas married his cousin Elizabeth Wicks in Islington in 1832, having met at her grandparents home in Culham. They first lived in East St Helens Street, before the family deemed it time for him to start his own business. His first daughter was baptised at Sutton Courteney in 1834. They moved into a cottage next to the Churchyard and in the following years Thomas established a very successful business improving and extending houses. At some point before 1850 Thomas bought two cottages near the ford across the Ginge and transformed them into what was described variously by the family as the big house or more formally as Elm Brook. In 1861 he still described himself as a master plumber. In 1846 Thomas entered an agreement *, to purchase at least five other cottages and what had been a Malthouse, in addition to orchards and land next to the Ginge. The original buildings of Wilden have apparently been dated c.1730 and it seems they were integrated into one and a new larger wing was added on the west side. Suggested to date 1760 it would seem more believable that the Carriage House was built by Howes at the same time, after 1850. The window fenestration in West Wilden is predominantly leaded lights with some stained glass and the wavy barge board decoration is classically Victorian in style. (oddly the tithe map shows a larger arrangement of buildings which may have been the Malthouse). By the beginning of the 20th Century Elm Brook had become known as Brook House and then from 1927 renamed Wilden before being split into East and West. Above as it was in 1926. * The original signed and sealed documents referring to the Indenture between Thomas Howes and the then landowners is held by Darren Chappell and came to him as part of his purchase of 12 Chapel Lane. Sutton Courtenay had two malthouses owned by Pullen and Russ - the land south of the Orchard was farmed by the Pullens and the sons were regular visitors to the kitchen and garden of Elm Brook. The Malthouse Thomas bought evidently was owned in 1817 by John Russ.

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6 First Draft – researching Brook Street Sutton Courtenay – August 2020 In 1883 – Elm Brook boasted an imposing oak stair and ‘many other’ curious narrow staircases, cellars, panelled rooms, a fireplace above which hung a picture of the good Samaritan, tales of armour found hidden behind the woodwork and of course trademark stained glasswork done by the Howes. Outside there was an extensive garden laid out with box hedges, glass houses, an orchard and several thatched outbuildings. This was a large rambling house, where the Howes family all gathered at Christmas, Easter and returned to enjoy in the summertime. Locally referred to as the ‘pink house’ it was split in two about 1952. Thomas Howes (senior) was one of the few residents of Sutton Courtenay that could read and write, so the populace came to him for advice on matters of law and property and to have letters written. He continued to improve properties, renting many of them out, was known as Cocky Howes and stayed up late into the night reading. He had become a church warden, was very well read, especially in law; almost bought the Manor House estate in 1885 at a time when his finances were somewhat precarious. To help maintain his financial position he had to take out mortgages on the cottages off Chapel Lane and took employment in the role of Overseer to the Parish, collecting local taxes until his retirement. In 1887 Thomas was listed as a principal homeowner in Sutton Courtenay along with those living in the Manor House and the Norman Hall. In old age he spent his time in the small first floor parlour overlooking the garden and brook where he could enjoy the stained glass he had added to the house, as well as see and hear what was going on. Thomas and Elizabeth had a large family of one boy and eight girls. The son, Tom Howes, the artist, married Sarah Bishop from Sparsholt in 1874 at Abingdon (her father farmed at Drayton in 1871). He helped build and worked in the thatched studio which stood beside the Ginge Brook until it was demolished in the 21st Century. He painted, carved furniture and made stained glass some of which is still in the church in Sutton Courtenay. He studied at the Royal College of Art, under Millais amongst others, and at the Royal Academy where he exhibited at least one painting. Sharing rooms with Frederick Scarlett Potter (a Sculptor and Author) someone called Montague (?) and pet white mice that lived in sheaves of drawings. Later becoming a drawing master at Kingston Grammar School. From 1876 the youngest daughter Miss Henrietta Howes was listed in Kelly’s as a General draper, hosier and haberdasher – she used the cottage at the east end of the house as a shop. Hetty died aged just forty-one, in 1891 the year after her father. In 1887 Thomas was listed listed as a principal home owner in Kellys. The group of cottages that backed onto the plot formed part of what was known as Howes Yard – this included the ‘three cottages’ now joined together to form Howes Cottage on Chapel Lane. (Mr Shepherd a Bank Manager was responsible for converting them into one dwelling in the 1970’s) When the Howes estate was eventually sold off in 1926 it included cottages on the village green, and houses on Chapel Lane, as well as the main house and extensive gardens, which boasted an orchard, water meadow and two tennis courts.

Brook Street Sutton Courtenay 2020 Courtenay 7 West Wilden photographed about 1926 Below extract from the hand drawn map in All Saints’ Church in Sutton Courtenay. (undated) Interestingly it shows the Southport Arms listed as The Red Lion and the The New Inn.

8 First Draft – researching Brook Street Sutton Courtenay – August 2020 First hand stories from Hilda Howes Below are extracts from a handwritten gilt-edged book telling the story of the Howes family - written by one of Tom’s daughters - Hilda Howes*. This came to light as a result of the only remaining grandson of Tom ‘Keeling Anthony’ getting in touch with the previous owner of West Wilden. This document and family photographs which came with it, tell the family history of the Howes, and adds valuable detail to the story of the house. The book gives a rare personal insight of her childhood memories in her grandfather’s house the contents and people who came to visit the family and helps bring into focus why the group of buildings are such a mixture of styles. In the spring of 1838 Elizabeth's father Thomas Wicks died. Shortly after, her son Tom was born. Aunt Emily could remember her lovely mother waltzing round the room with the baby in her arms, singing as they went. Thanks to the exertions of Rowland Hill the penny postage was established, so Elizabeth could write to her mother in London more often. About 1841-42 it was thought advisable for Tom to start a business of his own at Sutton Courtenay, a village near Abingdon. He acquired a little house by the Church. Owing to many additions to the family the place was not big enough. Tom bought two cottages with garden and orchard at the other end of Sutton. These with the aid of his handy man \"Old Quarterman\" he cleverly turned into a pleasant house. At the present time it is known as Elmbrook. The brook divides the little estate from the road. Of course, Tom must have stained glass. With his artistic nature he no doubt enjoyed copying the figures of Faith, Hope and Charity from the famous window at Oxford. These were erected in the kitchen window. The parlour was also decorated. Two of the leaded lights remain in West Wilden. The house is rambling, like a rabbit warren with its many bedrooms. As someone remarked, 'You opened a door and fell down a little staircase of its own'. As a child the house was invested with an atmosphere of romance to me. The mysterious passage leading to the parlour, its formal Chippendale furniture almost austure. The horsehair seats gave the sombre

Brook Street Sutton Courtenay 2020 Courtenay 9 look just needed to emphasize the gay stained glass in the two leaded windows. A tight posey of flowers graced the centre of the table, quite in keeping with the precise room. On the mantle shelf were six cups and saucers of rare porcelain from Elizabeth's home. So rare that a dealer who knew of these treasures tried more than once to acquire them. This parlour had a door opening on another of the little stairs that were peculiar to the house that led to the sitting room. A cheerful much used place with an excellent view over the brook. In my time the walls were hung with family portraits painted by father. It must have been a pleasure to the Howes to settle into the new home. There were plenty of rooms, a spacious garden and orchard, stabling for the pony, also a water meadow. When the railway from Culham to Oxford was completed, Tom drove his wife and two daughters to see the first train pass. (opened in 1844 as Abingdon Road) They Drove there in what would be considered nowadays as the quaintest vehicle, known as 'The Sociable'. It held four, two in front facing the horse, two behind sitting opposite each other, or knee to knee. The door at the back was small so Crinolines had to be tipped sideways to go through the needles eye. (more commonly called dog carts) GRANDMA : Thomas and Elizabeth celebrated their golden wedding July 29th 1882, amidst children and grandchildren. I was then two years and three months and was stood upon the table to say Little Miss Muffet. This is dim in my memory but still there. Alice gives a glimpse of Grandmama. She cut up bread and cheese very small, almost like dice for the little girl’s supper and sat her up to the table in the kitchen. That kitchen was beautiful in an unconscious way. The window gay with stained glass. A willowed patterned dinner set on the dresser. An oak table, brass candlesticks gleamed from the mantel shelf and the floor was red bricks. An artist friend of father's who visited Sutton was excited by the hub of the house being so colourful. Next to it came the wash-house, with two coppers. What impressed Elliott and I as children was the tiny copper lined with hay. There the cat slept. It evidently got out without disturbing a wisp leaving the neatest round. How clever of puss. Better not tell her, she already had airs enough. Not that I detested the Sutton cat as I did Grandma Bishop's tabby, often spoken of as 'A faithful servant' she needed correction to earn such a title ! so slapped her, and tab scratched me down my face. Faithful but no fool. To return to Grandma, Agnes remembers seeing her in a black dress with full skirt. This emphasised a slender waist. Tucked into the bodice was a bunch of jessamine. The flowers were the same white as her lace cap which

10 First Draft – researching Brook Street Sutton Courtenay – August 2020 was tied under the chin with a satin bow.' These well chosen clothes impressed the little girl. When Elizabeth was young she was beautiful, and even in old age the, atmosphere of beauty seemed to surround her. We have a water colour portrait of Grandma in the lace cap. This likeness is by John Parker, an artist friend of her son. The lady did not wish to be painted but was persuaded \"to please Tom. Elizabeth Howes was buried in Sutton Churchyard. The grave is near the lane. Grandpa lived another seven years. Some reference should be given to part of his property. Commonly called 'The Big House*, the place boasted an oak staircase and panelled rooms. Legend has it that years before armour had been discovered behind the woodwork. Above the fireplace was a quaint picture of The Good Samaritan. The back garden in which The Big House was situated was to me interesting. There amongst the hedges and rose bushes was the rainwater butt, also a marvellously scrubbed earth closet. Hetty kept house for Grandpa, and this closet breathed 'Plymouth Sister'. A Bible rested there, also a scroll of scripture hung on the door. -OLD AGE :- About this time an ambitious person went about hinting that the Sutton charities were being robbed. His Idea being to gain favour with the poorer classes. Grandpa as Churchwarden administered these monies. Feeling against him was intense. Charity Commissioners were summoned. It was found Thomas Howes had been honest, everything was intact. BOYS AND GIRLS The large family of Pullen boys frequented the big house. Edward was Tom's friend and Bessie's admirer. Winter evenings they danced in the kitchen. There Reuben and Edward both found Bessie the liveliest of that merry party. She and Tam could dance a schottische on two bricks. Occasionally Edward was lucky enough to accomplish the feat. From the kitchen a. few steps led up into the sitting room, Grandpa's stronghold. Sometimes an acquaintance would drop in for a chat with Mr Howes. How astounded the revellers would have been had they realised that one of those middle-aged men was Bessie's Future 'husband. When the fun in the kitchen became too furious, Grandpa would shout \"Now you boys, home you go. As father said there was always some fun going on at our house with eight girls and the boys used to come and play 'hide and seeks or dance. Probably more than eight boys visited. Reuben was a constant caller. Also there were several sailors from Abingdon, amongst them Fred Judd. and Bob Howes - both cousins of Bessie's. The tale was that Grandpa and a party of girls were in the orchard. Fred was seen advancing wearing a peony in his buttonhole, Grandpa 'made a characteristic remark, ‘who is this fool with the peony’? Nevertheless he welcomed the fool and pointed out the gorgeous sunset. Bessie was standing near bathed in golden sunshine. The ‘schottische’ is a partnered country dance that apparently originated in Bohemia. It was popular in Victorian era as a part of the Bohemian folk-dance craze. Happily Sarah was ready for outings. There were occasional visits to the James Hydes at Drayton. Perhaps a game of croquet; but Bessie made no effort to entertain. They attended croquet parties as I have heard of the muslin frocks they wore. Though there was a family likeness Hetty

Brook Street Sutton Courtenay 2020 Courtenay 11 differed from her other sisters with smooth hair, grey eyes and rounder face. Her asset according to Aunt Sarah 'Hetty put her clothes on well, If she even tied a handky round her neck it looked right'. At Helen's wedding a guest admired Betty. He wished to become an intimate friend. The lady refused his advances. She disliked his mottled complexion which was in strict contrast to her own bloom. I heard this from two sources. Like her sisters the young woman fell under the influence of the Plymouth Brethren. How that seemed to narrow, shut her off from life. As a child. I recognized the effect. Hetty kept the house beautiful, kept its countrified dignity. A young servant helped or hindered. This bright being played more than Auntie approved with the youth who was gardener. As she needed money for personal expenses, Hetty set up a little drapery shop in the cottage that had been added on to the side of the house. This venture paid in so much she could afford good holidays. When Emily said she was to accompany Bessie to Edinburgh for six weeks, Hetty remarked I shall have to stay in Sutton all the summer, make jams and entertain guests!. Emily would not allow that, so they shared the Scotch visit. There were other outings to Oxford and Evesham. When Hetty was about thirty-seven she showed signs of acute rheumatism. In spite of visits to Bath, the invalid grew worse. This terrible illness lasted two years. Auntie became so helpless that when flies settled on her face she could not displace them. Hetty's quiet uneventful life came to its close in July 1891. She left the kind request that the nephews and nieces should be invited to spend the day at Sutton, before the old home was broken up. THE OLD HOME :- Later there was a Sale of furniture as the old home was broken up. Father absented himself. He compared it to the funeral of a friend. As no one had room for the Chippendale set it was parted with. Lord Wantage heard of the sale too late. It seemed he had admired the Howes Chippendale. The house was left to Emily for life. She let it, with the natural result that tenant after tenant spent money in pulling the place about, their idea the cult of the old world. It already had its simple country beauty. After Emily's death the property was sold. The proceeds were divided amongst the grandchildren of Thomas and Elizabeth. The auctioneer's description – original beams, stained glass windows, old freehold house set in English gardens. The garden had been re-arranged to make it fashionably old-fashioned. All its romance tidied and rolled on. The narrow gate removed through which women in crinolines moved cautiously. The place is by now called ‘ye Tudor Brook House’. The stained-glass figures of Faith, Hope and Charity have been promoted from the kitchen as too good for their setting. ALL TRADES :- There was plenty of work for Tom helping his father and Quarterman renovate old cottages. Thus the youth learnt carpentry, lead work, stained glass. He soon became a craftsman. An old proverb expressed Tom 'His fortune was under his hat’. Every day held some beauty, often beauty so intense he must do something to realise it. To paint was a relief. He joined the School of Art at South Kensington and won the National Medallion for a drawing from the antique. Later becoming a student at the Royal Academy School. Well done, young Howes - Sutton and the

12 First Draft – researching Brook Street Sutton Courtenay – August 2020 neighbourhood rang with the achievement. During the vacation Lord Wantage invited the young man to Lockinge and gave him commissions. Other orders rolled in for portraits of favourite dogs, horses etc. His studio at the bottom of the orchard became a centre for artists. Tom complained that friends seemed to think they had a right to lean on his shoulder and talk. A year or two previously he and old Quarterman had built and thatched this charming Studio. The original from which much of these extracts came, had been typed up at some point (possibly by Hilda) it had the odd additional note and some headings added but only some of the pages still exist. The book tells the story of the Howes family and its ancestry. The extracts are included with some editing made to include additional information. The script in the original book varies to such a degree that it suggests more than one author was contributing at different points in time as the variance in handwriting style from Victorian to twentieth century seems too different to be of one hand. * Hilda – an Art Teacher, was born in 1880 the daughter of Thomas Howes the artist & teacher and Sarah Bishop – she died in 1951 but knew her grandfather Thomas Howes senior. Her book which had been held by Keeling Anthony, the only great grandson of Thomas and Sarah, has now been deposited in the Berkshire record office together with various family photographs.

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Brook Street Sutton Courtenay 2020 Courtenay 17 On the death of Thomas Howes in August 1890 the benefit of the house the house was left to Emily for her lifetime (and her brother Tom benefited too). This is why the house –and the Howes residual estate wasn’t put up for sale until 1926 and the recipients were the remaining grandchildren. In 1893 it appears that Emily was trying to increase her income, and make better use of the house, by advertising furnished apartments with good cooking and benefit of the garden and orchard. At some point Emily must have decided it was more efficient to let the ‘big house’ out to a series of various tenants - who each made changes over the years - and no doubt as owner she had to update services too. Emily seemingly lived at 9 Brook Street for a time (she was there in 1891) then spent many years with her widowed sister Elizabeth Hyde at ‘Elm Close’ in Drayton opposite the Manor House, a house which had been built for her by her husband. The Howes got together regularly along the riverside – in this uncredited picture over twenty enjoy tea.

18 First Draft – researching Brook Street Sutton Courtenay – August 2020 The telephone arrives Oxford Area Telephone Directory 1915 Capt. Harry Lyndsey The Manor Ho. 8 Dudley Wright Cory Norman Hall 34 John Gordon Walter H Jessop Brookside 44 The Mill House 37 At this time only a handful of houses had the telephone. Brookside was one - with the number 44 which belonged to John Gordon – no other reference to this name has been found but it may have been a pseudonym for Jack Churchill. In 1937 Miss Kathleen Vincent at Brookside had Sutton Courtenay 38 and Mrs Henry Haldin in 1941 and 1954 at Brookside number 38 and in 1963 - 238 Telephone Directory 1952 Henry Francis Doran at Wilden with 49 as his number – taken from Major Akers who had the number previously Norman H Lipman of East Wilden had the revised number 249 by 1968 Telephone Directory 1963 Roy Davies still listed as ‘Wilden’ – with separate number 394

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Brook Street Sutton Courtenay 2020 Courtenay 21 These images of Crosstrees Cottage give the best impression of what this part of the village would have looked like around 1900.

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Brook Street Sutton Courtenay 2020 Courtenay 23 Electoral Roll 1965 showing both East and West Wilden plus Wilden Cottage and number 13 separately

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Brook Street Sutton Courtenay 2020 Courtenay 25 Thomas Howes 1838-1919 Thomas was a successful Artist, wood-carver, furniture designer & maker and art teacher. Both of the Thomas’s made stained glass: Emily and her brother Thomas, (who had taught at Kingston Grammar School and exhibited at the Royal Academy, and became a Master Drawer) inherited their fathers estate in 1890. Emily was granted use of the big house for her lifetime, but continued to live nearby at 9 Brook Street, in 1891. Evidently letting out the property until her death. She spent much of this time living with her widowed sister Elizabeth Hyde - in 1911 they were together in Drayton. Emily died 1925 and is buried at Drayton. In 1869 Thomas Howes the younger produced painted panels for the church in Sutton Courtenay and at some point stained glass which is still in West Wilden. Watercolour in a wash line mount. Signed 'T.Howes' lower left. ‘Cornfields’ Berkshire Landscape by Howes sold in Kent in 2004 Thomas Howes was an artist listed at the Royal Academy – as born c.1837 He described himself as an Oil and Watercolour painter in 1911 – and lived Surbiton Hill.

26 First Draft – researching Brook Street Sutton Courtenay – August 2020 The Artists Early scenes like this Tennis Match painted by Sir John Lavery dated 1885 could easily have been inspired by the gardens of Elm Brook which at some point boasted ‘two’ tennis courts. Tom Howes associated with many other artists of the day. At Elm Brook he often had them staying and drawing members of the family. The Wharf in the village of Sutton Courtenay became the Asquiths' summer residence. During the war years Sir John Lavery was a close friend of the Asquith family and spent time with them at their Thames-side weekend residence. Lavery painted portraits and idyllic pictures like Summer on the River which appears to be set by the Wharf at Sutton Courtenay with the weir in the background. The women in the painting have been identified as Lady Violet Bonham Carter (daughter of Liberal Prime Minister Herbert Asquith) and her half-sister Elizabeth Bibesco.

Brook Street Sutton Courtenay 2020 Courtenay 27 Brookside occupants

28 First Draft – researching Brook Street Sutton Courtenay – August 2020 East Wilden + 13 - occupants At number 13 Brook Street is listed William R Dewe an agricultural labourer and Eliza Dewe his wife with Elizabeth Pitman, Daughter and her children Charles A and Lilly J Pitman

Brook Street Sutton Courtenay 2020 Courtenay 29 Elm Brook occupants

30 First Draft – researching Brook Street Sutton Courtenay – August 2020 The changes to the Name The house we see today was built and expanded by Thomas Howes – it was originally known as Elm Brook and continued to be named so until the beginning of the twentieth century. In Kelly’s 1895 edition Dr Rice is listed at Elmbrook. He continued to live there till 1901 before retiring to Priors Close just off the village green. The Oxford Times announced the birth of a son to Dr Rice in 1900 giving the address as Elmbrook Cottage and in 1901 he was still living there with his wife and three children plus five servants. By 1907 Mrs Jones was living at Elmbrook.

Brook Street Sutton Courtenay 2020 Courtenay 31 From at least 1911 the house was occupied by Jack Milne and his family, directory listings shows the house was still called Elmbrook Until 1914 - when it first appears listed as Brook House, the address given by Jack’s son (who had attended Radley College) on his enrolment in the Royal Flying Corps – Captain John Theobald Milne was an English fighter pilot and flying ace that was awarded the Military Cross. He married in July 1917 giving his address as The Brook House, but died in the October.

32 First Draft – researching Brook Street Sutton Courtenay – August 2020 In 1920 Benjamin & Lucy Allsop lived at Brook House and by 1925 Robert Bush and Eva Blanche Black (née Blatherwick) were living there. He had stood for election to Middlesex County Council – another ex army officer.

Brook Street Sutton Courtenay 2020 Courtenay 33 Sale of the Howes Estate When it was put up for auction in 1925 the Brook house still had many Elm trees bordering one of its small paddocks where the ‘second’ tennis court had been. In addition to extensive laid out gardens and greenhouses there were two acres, an orchard ,summer house and tea house and even a walnut tree. As well as the main house and its two cottages, a further eight cottages were included. The house had obviously been kept up to date as it had a Lyndes patent loco gas plant – a petrol driven device generating gas for cooking and lighting. However the occupants in 1926 (who may have been Robert and Eva Black) still preferred to light lamps rather than use the system. In the auctioneers details the estate on offer included one ‘Queen Ann house’ with a panelled room and paintings over the fireplace – (in 2010 it was listed as Shepherds cottage boasting a panelled room – picture below).

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Brook Street Sutton Courtenay 2020 Courtenay 35 The owners after 1926 The house was bought by conveyance to Horace Bland on July 5th 1927 from the descendants of Thomas Howes. Elliott Howes and Percy Wicks Hine (son of Helena Howes). Elliott was son of Thomas Howes (the artist and teacher who died 1919 Surbiton) and had lived at Cox Green, Maidenhead. Horace Bland sold in 1927 to Henry Prichard Chalk. It was Henry Chalk that named the house Wilden. Church walk and the Rectory of St Nicholas Church in Wilden. He had been born in the village of Wilden in Bedfordshire on the 9th Aug 1868 – seventh and youngest child of Reverend Richard*Gregory Chalk (the Rector of Wilden) and Julia (née Landon). *variously recorded as Richard and Prichard… Henry married Evelyn Nona Lanyon (of Falmouth) in 1896 at Gwennap in Cornwall. He was a merchant who from 1913-21 had lived at another ‘Wilden’, this one on Percy Avenue in the village of Kingsgate, near Broadstairs in Kent. In 1917 he had been the England agent for a Swedish cargo ship ‘BIA’, on voyage from Gothenburg to the Persian Gulf with a cargo of box boards and matches, which was wrecked on Albatross Rocks near Cape Point. He even travelled aboard the Mauretania in 1920. He had traded in Fruit in the general trade and they lived on Creffield Road in Ealing in 1911 then Broadstairs and his wife returned to Mount Park Crescent, Ealing by 1935. In 1921 he described himself as a ‘merchant’ whilst en route to New York but he died 29th March 1930 at Wilden, Sutton Courtenay. He had been the London agent for Hills Bros - famous coffee providers of San Francisco and New York. They sent a notable floral display to his funeral when it was held in Sutton Courtenay. After Henry dies in March 1930 Wilden is advertised in The Times in May as a nine bedroom two bathroom residence complete with Summer and Tea Houses.

36 First Draft – researching Brook Street Sutton Courtenay – August 2020 Brookside In 1886 the Manor House had been purchased by James Lloyd-Lindsay, 1st Baron Wantage who gave the property as a wedding present to the grandson of the 25th Earl of Crawford, Colonel Harry Lindsay, and his new wife Norah in 1895 Harry Lindsay and Norah became known as hosts to parties of young intellectuals in their riverside garden as Sutton Courtenay which became a centre for weekend entertaining at the same time as the Asquiths. But the marriage had broken up during the first world war and by 1924 Norah had two children, no house, and no income. In 1895 Brookside had been the home of Charles Frederick Lambert the Herbologist and then R W Lambert – Coal Merchant on whose death its contents were put up for sale in 1909.

Brook Street Sutton Courtenay 2020 Courtenay 37 At the outbreak of the great war the village was a very fashionable place with lots of affluent families keen to escape the city. Many famous faces could be seen visiting the home of the then Prime Minister and these included the Churchills. One of the occupants of Brookside was Goonie Churchill and her children, wife of Jack Churchill (Winstons brother) The War memorial on the Green in front of the church in Sutton Courtenay was designed by Lt.- Colonel Henry Edzell Morgan Lindsay CB, DL (13 February 1857 – 1 November 1935) Henry had lived at Brookside, until 1925, close to the home of his cousin, the garden designer Norah Lindsay who lived at The Manor House A British Army officer that had served with the Royal Engineers in various campaigns in the 19th and early 20th centuries, a keen amateur sportsman he had played for the Royal Engineers in the 1878 FA Cup Final. Henry lost his three eldest sons in WW1 and in 1920 designed the War Memorial in Sutton Courtenay which was then built by Henry Miller. . . The land west of Brookside had been owned by the Manor House estate – which was subsequently purchased by newspaper owner David Astor who lived there until his death in 2001.

38 First Draft – researching Brook Street Sutton Courtenay – August 2020 The article below is from the Sketch dated 11 September 1918. Brookside It appears that the few houses that must have existed on both sides of the original Ford all referred to themselves collectively as Brookside, certainly up until the end of the nineteenth century. The maps published up until that time all show the majority to be smaller properties and the census doesn’t differentiate by name which house is which. But the number of households suggest there were many more cottages alongside the road leading to the ford across the Ginge Brook. The size of the households in 1911 do seem to suggest the building now known as Wilden was by far the largest house on Brook Street, whilst on the north side of Brook Street, the house now named Brook House was not enlarged and modernised until the early part of the twentieth century. In 1939 Mabel Julia Haldinstein (née Leon) & her daughter Cicely Fanny (Frances) Stourton was living with four servants and others next door in Brookside cottage. In her many adverts for domestic staff she described the house as modernised, with a separate cottage available as part of the job. Mabel had married Henry Hyman Haldinstein KC - a British subject from Norfolk and Barrister of Kings Bench Walk they lived at 17 Montague Square, West London. He had died in 1931 leaving an estate worth more than £56,000 (worth c. £3.5M in 2020) Henry had changed his name to Haldin by Royal License in 1915. NB by 2020 Brook House is referenced as being 2 Brook Street on the Council Tax listings.

Brook Street Sutton Courtenay 2020 Courtenay 39 Goonie Churchill at Brookside In part extracted from a recent book about Winston and Clementine: The Personal Letters of the Churchills by Mary Soames In December 1899, in the early months of the Boer War, Jack Churchill went to South Africa to join his brother as a lieutenant in the South African Light Horse regiment, which Winston had joined after his escape from a prisoner-of-war camp. Sometime in 1906, Jack, found himself falling in love with the lovely Lady Gwendeline (“Goonie” as she was known in the family), Born on November 20, they married in 1908 in Oxford. Goonie was a favourite friend of Winston Churchill – born in 1885 Lady Gwendoline Theresa Mary Bertie was daughter of the 7th Earl of Abingdon by his second marriage – she married John Strange Spencer-Churchill (Jack) in 1908 at Abingdon (Pictured Jack and Winston) Winston Churchills wife Clementine and Goonie became very good friends, and they spent the summer of 1917 at Cromer with their children. As Clemmie was often staying with the Asquiths just up the road at the Wharf – which may have enabled the connection to Brookside. The families saw a great deal of each other and thanks to Winston's successful political career, and also to Jack's artistic wife Goonie their wide circle of friends included many leading politicians, writers and artists of the day, including the Asquiths, Laverys and J.M. Barrie. Goonie wrote several times to Lady Randolph Churchill up until 1920 from Brookside, as did Clemmie from Brookside to Winston in 1918.

40 First Draft – researching Brook Street Sutton Courtenay – August 2020 Brookside Cottage appears in both adverts and articles perhaps reflecting more about the employer than the employee. For example Mr Robert James Adey was a housepainter in 1911 living on his own account in 6 rooms at Brookside Cottages, and then at Ginge Brook in 1915. (he had been a Butler in 1901). Brook House cottage was re-referenced in 1988 to No 4 Brook Street. (Listed Buildings register)

Brook Street Sutton Courtenay 2020 Courtenay 41 Wilden After Henry Chalk dies in March 1930 Wilden is advertised in the Times in May as a nine-bedroom, two bathroom residence complete with Summer and Tea Houses. Frederick Robert Landon Chalk a Quarry Manager inherits his father’s estate £7651 on the 30th September 1931 and as representative of the estate goes on to sell the house known as Wilden to Wilfred Thomas Montague Stuart Akers. Akers had been awarded OBE June 1918 for military operations in East Africa, later a Colonial Secretary who retired Major from the 2nd King´s African Rifles. Son of John Akers an Omnibus Driver and Minnie Stuart of 43 Marcellus Road, Islington born Dec 1883. Nb The Foreign and Civil service and Kings African Rifles serving in East Africa feature often in the backgrounds of the occupants of Sutton Courtenay. Major Akers lived in the big house for some time, together with Geoffrey E Hallett … who had been there since at least 1936. When the two had returned to the port of London aboard the Amarapoora from Rangoon – along with Sarah Elizabeth Mellor. Geoffrey Ernest Hallett … since at least 1936 – had also been at Wilden with the owner retired Major Wilfred Thomas Montague Stuart Akers. Both men were probably in the Civil Service and Akers had been a Major in the 2nd Kings Rifles, was awarded OBE and was retired from the Colonial Civil Service. By 1939 when Hallett is described as a Private Secretary it shows Akers was a reserve officer, on the Civil List from the war office and had worked for the Treasury. The Major used the rank in his telephone directory entry and advertised far and wide for staff. When both returned to the port of London in 1936 aboard the Amarapoora -Sarah Elizabeth Mellor was aboard same ship (sailing from Rangoon) - all having seemingly embarked at Palma. She died in 1938 at Wilsic Hall and Wilfred Thomas Montague Stuart Akers was named in her probate. Sarah Elizabeth Andrew had married to Herbert Walton Mellor, a Cotton Trader from Southport, Liverpool. He died 1896 at Cheadle. They had one son Douglas Walton Mellor born in 1893. In 1901 they were boarding in Alleyn Park, Dulwich. But by 1911 living in Redcliffe Square, Kensington when Douglas was an Army Student (City & Guilds College). War records show Harold Walton Mellor (otherwise Douglas) became a Captain in the 15th Fusiliers who had transferred to the 2nd Kings African Rifles – according to the Military education committee of the University of London but he died of fever May 1918 in Nampula, East Africa. Probate worth £11,055 to his mother then residing in Dorking. (c.£750,000 in 2020) n.b. 1938 Wilfred Stuart Akers inherited and administers the estate from Sarah Elizabeth Mellor who had died 11th January 1938. She had lived in the east end of Wilden.

42 First Draft – researching Brook Street Sutton Courtenay – August 2020 In 1939 Kurt Michael Singer was a Houseman in Sutton Courtenay, a (married) Schoolmaster, but an ex-interned German, born Prague – documents show he was judged exempt from internment at Wilden, Sutton Courtenay to surety of Major Akers. Clara Clifton (née Turner from Abingdon) was still living at no 13 in 1950 and 1955 - her husband Albert James had died there in 1959. They had lived there since at least 1935. Clara had left by 1960 – she died in Cheshire in 1965 leaving her estate to daughter Lillian Clara Bella Parry.

Brook Street Sutton Courtenay 2020 Courtenay 43 Selling Wilden in 1950 - Major Wilfred S Akers then goes to live at Ashby off Spencer Road, Ryde. By 1955 he and Geoffrey were returning from Mozambique and both heading for Ashby, a stylish Gothic House overlooking the sea on the Isle of Wight. LIEUT-COLONEL George RYAN died 1904 - residence, Ashby Cottage, Pelham Fields, Ryde, on Friday last, at the age of 59. The deceased gentleman was late of the Royal Army Medical Corps. he served in the Zulu War of 1879, for which he had a medal. He was advanced to the rank of surgeon- major in January, 1881, and in January, 1889, retired as a Lieut-Colonel. His wife Louisa Clotilda Ryan (née Colthurst-Brabazon) died at Ashby in 1926. Her nephew Arthur Brabazon Lake together with Colonel James Austin Meldon, with was left probate, the latter had been born 1869 awarded C.B.E., died in 1932 aged sixty-two. In the Army he had served in the 16th Lancers, then the King's African Rifles, and the Dublin Fusiliers. He took part in operations during the Uganda mutiny, and was engaged for a time in South Africa as Civil and Military Officer in Uganda. In 1939 George E. Young b. 1868 with Eleanor F. Young lived at Ashby – also a retired Civil Servant and by 1951 Akers and Hallett were living there. Wilfred Thomas Montague Stuart Akers seemingly dies in South Africa, (Batchelor) of West Point, Main Road, Somerset West, Cape Province, South Africa, Major, H.M. Army (Retired) 30th March 1972. and it appears GE Hallett also dies in Cape Town in 1992. The Electoral roll of 1950 showed there were occupants in both Wilden and Wilden Cottage. Register of Electors 1949

44 First Draft – researching Brook Street Sutton Courtenay – August 2020 June 25th 1951 conveyance to Henry Francis Doran but then the Conveyance document then August 6th 1952 shows Henry Francis Doran to one Horace Prichard of Mimosa, Hookwood, Horley a Director of a Textile firm in 1939 (wife Constance Mary née Doe) both died Oakley Cottage, Westbury Lane, Purley, near Pangbourne – this may be a simple coincidence, but seems extremely odd. There may have been a family connection to the earlier Pritchard Chalk. Horace was there according to the phone book by 1958. Witness to the conveyance was Catherine Sinclair a JP of Lady Place. But Henry Doran was not listed as on Electoral Roll for 1950 and he has proved difficult to identify. Electoral Roll 1955 Showing that Horace Prichard and Constance were living at East Wilden They cut a strange look in the village as they wore lots of black and went everywhere on their bicycles. 23rd October 1957 conveyance by Horace Prichard

Brook Street Sutton Courtenay 2020 Courtenay 45 Van der Valk at Wilden The Coach House + Wilden Cottage At some point the cottage became split from the main house, the later owners have bought back Wilden Cottage. Does this mean Doran held onto it, and ? Simon Douglas Stewart Park lived there when he arranged Eye Level ? Before filling the Top of the Pops studio with his music? Simon Park lived in East Wilden – and had the hayloft above the garages insulated as his studio. At some point the Wilden estate bought back Wilden Cottage – was this from Simon Park? Simon Douglas Stewart Park b. 13 Mar 1946 Market Harborough - pianist, conductor, BA in music from Worcester College, Oxford University was son of architect Ronald Stewart Park (1921-1985) and Cynthia Mary Briggs d. 14 Aug 1946 London. If his first wife was Kathryn J S Doran (married Jan 1966 in Yorkshire) and he then married Janice A Hale in 1990 at Abingdon. The connection to Doran might have been made. Her father Donald Eric Doran b. 29 June 1917 married Annie Dawson in 1941 who he died in Bury Hospital ( of 91 Bolton Road, West Ramsbottom) in 1959. In 1939 he had been an assistant manager at a Khaki Dye works living at 81 Bolton Road… parents Leonard John King Doran and Edith Rose Rice. (Leonard born Hanwell and worked at Paddington for GWR) No obvious link to Henry Francis Doran that previously owned Wilden was found.

46 First Draft – researching Brook Street Sutton Courtenay – August 2020